The Horsemanship and Mindset Podcast

Kimberly Dunn of Idyllwild Horsemanship and Mindset Coaching
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Welcome! The Horsemanship and Mindset Podcast is here to help you better understand yourself, and your horse, by bringing you the best in stories, tips, tricks, interviews and advice, around all things mindset and horsemanship. If you are ready to cultivate your confidence, and deepen your level of understanding of yourself and your horse...then this is the pod for you. Lets go!

  1. 23H AGO

    Why Getting Off Your Horse Can Be the Smartest Thing You Do!

    Is getting off your horse really “letting them win”? (spoiler alert- no- it isn't!!!) In this episode, I explore one of the most outdated beliefs still circulating in the horse world, that riders should never get off during a difficult situation. After hearing a client describe being told to stay on while her horse was rearing, I break down why this advice can be not only unhelpful, but potentially dangerous. You’ll learn why horses aren’t trying to “win,” how nervous system overwhelm affects both horse and rider, and why sometimes stepping off your horse can actually be the most responsible and compassionate choice you can make. This episode explores a more modern approach to horsemanship, one built on communication, safety, and understanding rather than dominance and control. In this episode you’ll learn: Why the idea of “not letting the horse win” is outdatedWhat horses are actually communicating during escalated behaviours like rearingHow rider fear and nervous system activation affects the horseWhy staying below threshold creates safer outcomesHow getting off can sometimes be the most intelligent horsemanship decisionIf you enjoyed this episode: Share it with a fellow rider, subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and leaving a review helps more equestrians find this podcast. Questions or comments? Email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com

    26 min

  2. MAR 6

    Competition Nerves Aren’t a Confidence Problem (Here’s What They Really Are)

    Do you feel calm and capable at home… but unravel the moment you enter a competition environment? In this episode, we’re diving into: Why competition nerves are not a sign you’re weak or incapableWhat’s actually happening in your nervous systemHow social pressure and identity attachment fuel anxietyThe physical signs of dysregulation most riders miss3 practical shifts you can use immediately on comp dayIf you’ve ever felt sick in the lorry park, tight in the warm-up, or disappointed in yourself afterwards, this episode will completely reframe your experience. You are not broken, or behind, and you are absolutely capable of competing with confidence and calm! ✨ Ready to change how this season feels? My Competition Confidence Package is designed to help you regulate your nervous system, rewire fear patterns, and step into your most grounded, empowered rider self. Head to the link in my bio or email me the word “COMP” at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com for details.

    24 min

  3. FEB 27

    When It Gets Awkward at the Yard: Handling Confrontation Without Losing Yourself

    Confrontation at the yard, at shows, or during clinics can feel shocking, embarrassing and deeply unsettling, especially if you’re already working on rebuilding your riding confidence. In this episode, I’m talking about how to handle confrontation in equestrian environments without spiralling into self-doubt or shame. Whether it’s a sharp comment from another rider, tension with a trainer, or awkward energy at a competition, these moments can trigger your nervous system and knock your confidence. I’ll be sharing: Why confrontation hits so hard for horse ridersHow your nervous system responds (fight, flight, freeze, fawn)Practical tools to stay calm in the momentHow to stop replaying the situation afterwardsWays to rebuild confidence after yard drama or showground tensionHow to become a more grounded, emotionally resilient rider If fear of judgement, yard politics, or show nerves are affecting your enjoyment with your horse, this episode will give you practical mindset tools you can use immediately. ✨ Ready to feel calm, confident and unshakeable at shows this season? My Confidence & Competition Package is designed specifically for riders who want to regulate nerves, stop worrying about what others think, and ride with focus and freedom. Email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com to apply or message me on the socials at @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach the word “COMP” to find out more!

    32 min

  4. FEB 20

    How I rebuilt my confidence with horses... the good, bad, and ugly...

    In this weeks episode I take you through my own journey of rebuilding my confidence, the good the bad, the down right embarrassing, and the ugly. It wasn't an easy path to take, but I am grateful for every step, because it led me to where I am now, and allows me to help others reconnect to their own confidence with horses and to truly enjoy their lives together again. Ready to do that too? Email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com or DM me on the socials @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach and lets get started! Enjoy!

    20 min

  5. FEB 13

    The Biggest Thing My Clients Struggle with in Our Time Together (it's not what you think!!)

    In this weeks episode, I'm talking about the BIGGEST thing my clients struggle with, why it's so important to be aware of...and easy ways to make changes! I hope you find it helpful, and as always, any questions or comments...or...to work with me, email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com or DM me on the socials at @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach See you next week!

    27 min

  6. FEB 6

    SAD, Stuck & So Over Winter: A Nervous-System Friendly Guide to the Last Stretch!

    Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can make the winter months feel heavy, exhausting, and emotionally draining, especially towards the end of the season when motivation is low and spring still feels far away. In this episode, we explore what SAD really is, why February can feel harder than January, and how to support your nervous system through the final stretch of winter with compassion rather than pressure. You’ll also hear a gentle winter survival guide, nervous-system-friendly mindset shifts, and how to get support if winter has knocked your confidence or emotional resilience. In This Episode, We Cover: What Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) isCommon emotional and nervous system symptoms of winter fatigueWhy the end of winter can feel especially hardPractical, gentle ways to cope with low mood and energyHow to support yourself without forcing positivityHow EEP can help you feel grounded, confident, and supported Resources & Support: ✨ Join or find out more about EEP emotional and nervous system support for confidence, calm, and connection - The Enlightened Equestrian Program – Idyllwild Horsemanship & mindset coaching ✨ DM me at @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach on the socials if you’d like to talk through whether EEP or is right for you or find out about other resources available!

    20 min

  7. JAN 30

    I Didn’t Feel Brave...and I Did It Anyway! Lessons from 2016

    In this episode, I’m reflecting on why 2016 is suddenly everywhere, and why, for me, it was a year that changed everything! I share what it was like to: Leave a job of 8 years when my confidence was wobblingTravel to Australia for the first time and navigate new environments and self-doubtBackpack alone up the east coast and through New ZealandLearn how to trust myself, enjoy my own company, and do hard things without needing certaintyStep into a dream opportunity in the US, not because I was fearless, but because I’d grown and was ready for new horizons This episode is a reminder that confidence isn’t something you find, it’s something you build through experience, discomfort, and self-trust. If you’re in a season where your confidence feels shaky, or you’re learning to trust yourself again, this conversation, I hope, is for you. ✨ Work with me I’m currently taking on clients as we head into February. If you’d like support with confidence, mindset, and reconnecting with yourself, email me at: info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com or DM me on the socials @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it!

    36 min

  8. JAN 23

    You’re Not Broken: Why Anxiety with Horses Is a Nervous System Response, Not a Personal Failure!!

    Confidence loss with horses isn’t a personal failure, it’s a nervous system response. In this episode, we explore why anxiety shows up, what it’s actually trying to do, and how true confidence is rebuilt through safety, regulation, and self-trust, not force or 'bravery'! In this episode, we cover: Why confidence disappears even in experienced ridersWhat anxiety with horses is really trying to protect you fromWhy “pushing through fear” often backfiresThe nervous system link between rider confidence and horse behaviourHow confidence is rebuilt quietly, consistently, and safelyIf this episode resonated: ✨ Subscribe to the podcast ✨ Leave a review to help other riders find it (pretty please!) ✨ DM me on Instagram with the word RECALIBRATE to explore working together Remember: You’re not broken. Your system is protecting you, and it can learn something new too!!

    20 min
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About

Welcome! The Horsemanship and Mindset Podcast is here to help you better understand yourself, and your horse, by bringing you the best in stories, tips, tricks, interviews and advice, around all things mindset and horsemanship. If you are ready to cultivate your confidence, and deepen your level of understanding of yourself and your horse...then this is the pod for you. Lets go!

Information

  • Creator
    Kimberly Dunn of Idyllwild Horsemanship and Mindset Coaching
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean

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